The 'heavens and the earth' are frequently given a figurative
use. God, through His prophets sometimes speaks to the 'heavens
and the earth'. This cannot be the literal land, sea and air,
so we conclude that God is speaking to those who occupy His
earth. For example, Moses, speaks to Israel: "Listen,
O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my
mouth. Let My teaching fall like rain and My words descend
like the dew . Is this the way you repay the Lord, O
foolish and unwise people? Is He not Your Father, Your Creator,
who made you and formed you?" (Deuteronomy 32:1,6).

"Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the Lord has spoken:
' the ox knows his master, the donkey his owner's manger,
but Israel does not know, My people do not understand.' Ah,
sinful nation Why do you persist in rebellion?"
(Isaiah 1:2-5).

In these and other verses, God is addressing the rulers and
people of Israel. The imagery is continued in the New Testament.
Jesus refers to the governments of the world: "the powers
of heaven shall be shaken." (Luke 21:26, KJV; NIV: "heavenly
bodies").

And Peter writes: "But the day of the Lord will come
like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the
elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything
in it will be laid bare . But in keeping with His promise
we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the
home of righteousness." (2 Peter 3:10,13).

It is the corrupt establishment of government and peoples
on the earth, not the earth itself that will be destroyed.